Once, a monk had 500 followers. He meditated throughout his life. He even had supernatural powers and could fly. One day, the chief follower took 250 followers into the villages to collect alms. Meanwhile, the master was about to die. The remaining followers who were by his side realised this and asked him, “What was your greatest achievement, Master?” He replied, “No Thing!” and he died. The 250 followers were disappointed and burnt his body with no special ceremony or honours. When the chief follower returned, he asked about the monk. On hearing what had happened, he said, “You did not understand the meaning of his words. He achieved the great knowledge of ‘No Thing’. He realised that the names of things are not what they are. There is what there is, without being named.” Thus, he explained the achievement of the great master.
Moral: When the wise speak, listen carefully
